Surname Feheny - Meaning and Origin

Feheny: What does the surname Feheny mean?

Fehen(y) is an ancient Irish surname that has its origin in the Gaelic language. The name derives from the Gaelic word "Feichin," which translates to "fair, little bird." The name was likely used to refer to someone of fair complexion or a person with pleasant features, or one who was known for being peaceful and graceful.

Fehen(y) is also associated with the Heberian Celtic tribe, which hailed from the legendary fourth century King Heber, who led the Milesian Invasion of Ireland. Variations of the surname can be found all over Ireland and the United Kingdom today, including Feeny, Feenan, Feeney, Feenane, and many others.

The Fehen(y) surname is quite common among Irish families and continues to be a source of pride for those who bear it. Those who bear the name today can trace their ancestry back to centuries-old roots steeped in ancient Celtic culture and mythology. As a proud people, the Fehen(y)'s adhere to the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors and strive to keep them alive for the generations to come.

Feheny: Where does the name Feheny come from?

The last name Fehenry is an Irish surname originating from the ancient Irish Gaelic name O'Faoithin. The family originally descended from a tenth century warlord known as Aodh mac Fhoighin, who led an army of Ulstermen to defeat at the battle of Clontarf in 1014. The name is still quite common in Ireland today, primarily concentrated in and around the provincial Ulster counties of Donegal and Derry. Outside of Ireland, the name is still found throughout the British Isles, notably in Scotland, England, and Wales. Further afield, Fehenys have spread to many other countries throughout the world, particularly to the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as pockets of Europe, South America, and Asia. Fehenys of all backgrounds can continue to honor and celebrate their ancestry and heritage by researching their own family tree, finding out more about their ancestor's origins, and, of course, visiting Ireland to explore the land of their ancestors.

Variations of the surname Feheny

The surname Feheny is derived from the Irish name O'Fearghuile/O'Dearghaille/O'Ferguson. It is an anglicised form of the original Gaelic patronymic surname which means "son of Fearghal/Dearghal/Fergus". Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:

Feeney, Feeney, Fenney, Fein, Feinny, Fenn, Feiney, o Fahey, Fahy, Faahey, Fahey, Faehy, Feehy, Feeny, Feehey, Faahy, Fyanna, O'Fahy, O'Fahey, O'Feehey, O'Feeney, O'Deeney, O'Feeny, O'Feany, O'Finney, O'Feenie, O'Feena, O'Flynn, O'Feehenny, O'Fayen, O'Fweeney, O'Fheney, O'Fedney, O'Fearney, O'Fergson, O'Fargesson, O'Fearghaille, O'Fearghal, O'Fergal, O'Ferghaille, O'Feargain, O'Firghaille, O'Finaghaille, O'Finaghal, O'Finaghoill, O'Finneill, O'Fannell, O'Fionaill, O'Fargnal, O'Fergonall and O'Fearghill.

The Feheny family was mainly found in Counties Tyrone and Down in Ulster Province in Ireland. They also can be located in neighbouring counties Mayo and Galway. Feeneys can now be found throughout the Irish diaspora, from the United States to Australia and beyond.

Famous people with the name Feheny

• Deirdre Feheney: an award-winning Irish fiction author.
• Bríd Smith: a well-known Irish-born priest and international human rights activist.
• Edel Feheney: an Irish actress, best known for her role in the TV series Peaky Blinders.
• Dónal Feheney: a popular Irish composer and music producer.
• Darragh Feheney: an Irish footballer who represented his country at the FIFA World Cup.
• Sean Feheney: an Irish entrepreneur and innovator in the technology field.
• Barry Feheney: an American politician, serving as a Democratic Congressman from California.
• Mike Feheney: an American baseball pitcher who played in both Major League Baseball and the minor leagues.
• Ben Feheney: a naturalist and conservationist, and frequent media contributor on topics of wildlife and sustainability.
• Pat Feheney– an American sculptor and painter who has exhibited work in galleries across the US.

Other surnames

Feheney